Authority Meeting in Extended Quadrilateral Format held in the Czech Republic: new nuclear power plant units, small modular reactors, and long-term operation in focus

The traditional annual meeting of the nuclear regulatory authorities of the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia was hosted by the Czech Republic on May 27–28, 2026. The Hungarian delegation was led by Andrea Beatrix Kádár, President of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority. During the meeting special emphasis was given to the regulatory, licensing and oversight issues related to the construction of new nuclear power plant units and small modular reactors, as well as regulatory tasks related to the long-term operation of existing nuclear power plant units.

During the meeting, the participating authorities presented the main legislative and organisational changes regarding their regulatory activities and provided an overview of events concerning the safety of the nuclear facilities under their oversight, along with the relevant regulatory measures.

Preparations for the licensing of new nuclear power plant units continued in the participating countries, particularly with regard to small modular reactors. In most countries legislation has been amended or planned to be amended in this regard while consultations, pre-licensing and licensing activities for new nuclear power plant units are underway, as well as a joint review of the designs of certain small modular reactors.

There was common understanding among participating countries that cooperation regarding the licensing of new types of fuel should be further developed, and that increased attention should be paid to the safety culture of nuclear power plant licensees, as well as to the proper oversight of the commercial grade products manufactured by their suppliers.

The next meeting will take place in 2026 in Finland.